Mission to Cambodia

Reflecting on Cambodia from Laos

2009-06-08T11:32:48Z

Cambodia meant many things; a new land, a new culture, and a new people. The part I will miss most deeply is the relationships formed with the many people with whom we had the chance to become acquainted and even build meaningful friendships. Sunday was our last real chance to say goodbye to those who helped make the trip a memorable one. At church on Sunday morning the congregation honoured the Belmont group by presenting us with beautiful Cambodian silk scarves not only to commemorate our time in Cambodia but also to commend the work we’d performed. The irony of the situation was that the exchange occurred inversely; those truly deserved of commendation were the ones who accepted us into their lives whole heartedly and showed us an unforgettable time.

After church we had some free time to roam about the city, tie up any loose ends, or just relax. Emily and I decided to sneak a gander at the National Museum. The short tuk-tuk ride was well worth it – I’ll definitely miss those little motorized wagons, the put-put of the engine, the wind (or dust) in your hair, and the many sites captured en route. Once we had made it to the museum Bounchanh, who had hitched a ride to Art Street, hopped out of the tuk-tuk and promptly rolled his ankle leaving a doozy of a bruisy in its wake. The museum was rather unassuming from the outside; an old temple with a well-manicured garden housed the treasures within. Once inside, it was evident that space was at a premium because there were dozens of statues of Buddha, essentially sitting in one another’s laps. Upon further inspection we saw many bas reliefs, statues, and various other priceless artifacts, the majority of which had been salvaged from the temples at Siem Reap. In the courtyard were four placid fish ponds, stocked to the brim with an assortment of colourful fish. The trip was capped with a walk to the souvenir stand where we picked up a couple of iced coffees, our newfound obsession, and then it was back to the hotel to prepare for the pot-luck dinner.

]]> We made it there after a short, language barrier-induced pit stop at a local hospital. Then it was on to the games. First, we had a balloon-pop-chair race and then followed that up with a game that reminded me of a cross between charades and Simon says (you know the one – jelly fish, elephant, bumble bee, fashion show). After working up an appetite we were ready for some grub. We all piled together on the mats in the middle of the room and shared what we had brought. I tried some crickets, fish eggs (although I wouldn’t call it caviar), and some clams – I think they called it eenu, along with some of our favourite fare from Khmer Surin.

Dinner was followed up with some traditional Khmer dancing. To our surprise, this led into some less traditional dancing, the type more suited to the discotheque. No complaints here, though, best work out I’d had all trip, even though I’ve got about as much rhythm as a canned ham. After some final goodbyes, we all boarded the bus back to the hotel for a good nights rest in preparation for Monday’s trip to the village.

Experiencing Cambodia

2009-06-03T11:12:11Z

Waking up early to exercise in Cambodia has become one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. People are able to participate in the morning routine of running, walking, dancing to music, or any other type of exercise. Furthermore, it helps everyone to get ready for the day. This morning I had the opportunity to see monkeys as they ran around looking for food.

Today I was in the operating room with Emily, and we were able to watch doctors perform a thyroidectomy. This surgery helped me review the concepts I have learned from my nursing classes this past semester, such as the risk of people developing hypothyroidism after their thyroid is removed. The doctors were very helpful in explaining the most important precautions for the particular patient too, such as hemorrhaging as a complication of HIV and multiple surgeries. The second surgery involved the doctors removing a gallbladder. For this surgery, I inserted my first NG (nasogastric tube) tube! Even though we left before the gallbladder was removed, participating in the preoperative care of the patient was exciting.

It is hard to believe that our time in Cambodia is near. We have all learned a lot—culturally, socially, and educationally. This trip is a memory we will never forget!

Same Same, but different!

2009-06-03T10:45:00Z

I sit in Seoul Korea on our way back home and finally have the time to write my blog entry. We are all doing well and are looking forward to being reunited with our families and friends.

In Cambodia there is a saying "Same, same, but different". The Khmer word for different is psame psame, but the "p" is rather silent. When we say "samething", most Khmer people hear same same which means different. When we here them say psame psame, we think they are saying "samething". So when you see all of us wearing our "same, same, but different" t-shirts, you will be able to laugh. Cambodia after 5 years is the same same, but different. The streets are getting a facelift and buildings are going up, but the people are still the same on the streets. Children continue to be homeless and poor without appropriate healthcare, hygeine or nutrition. My blog about our village trip that we took on Saturday.

Several people donated money for us to do some good while here and good we did. Several of us made a trip to the Orrusey Market which was quite the experience. Thankfully we took 3 of our Cambodian friends with us to help with translation. We bought school supplies (807 writing books, pencils, rulers, sharpener, eraser and bags), shoes, large book bags for honor students, toothbrushes, tooth paste and more for 269 children in a village in Kandal province about 1 hour or so outside of Phnom Penh city. Additionally, we brought rice, soy and fish sauce for the poorest of families that was to be determined by the school director. We packed our supplies and our lunch and loaded the bus with 17 of us plus several of our Cambodian friends from church and the hospital.

]]> When we arrived at the school, all of the children were lined up in the scorching heat anticipating our arrival. The faces were the same but different. Beautiful children with large eyes and big smiles, scared looks and shyness all at the same time, staring and waiting patiently to see what was in store for them today. After some confusion and a bit of a ceremony, we were down to business. Halli and Phalla scooted off to participate in a "mini clinic" and treated some 60 children and adults from the school and village for various ailments. We also had a pharmacy student, Brandon participating in the clinic shelling out medcine. Diane Maynard (alumni of Belmont and Cambodia trip) led the hygiene session which consisted of hand washing techniques and teeth brushing. And yes, the same dirty pond water was available for both :).

Yet another group of us began giving out the rice and supplies to the poorest of families. There were 5 bags left over, so we decided to have a lottery to decide who would get the rest. This was very interesting and actually more heart wrenching than we thought. The first two were easy as a young girl was brought forward (looked about 15) and we were told she was the head of her household as both of her parents were dead. I don't remember how many siblings she had, but she got one of the five remaining bags. Then, a group of 7 school aged children with one parent was identified, so they got the next bag. Another bag went to another set of children that were without one or both parents, so we were down to 2 bags for the lottery. There were about 35 children in the lottery. That was the same heart wrenching feeling, but different village and different faces.

After that, we played some really fun games with the kids. One game consisted of balloons and a team of 6 people in a line. The object was to run down and around a chair with your balloon and then sitting on it and busting the balloon racing back to your team for the next person to go. The second game was my favorite where a number was called out and you had to grab hold of that many people to form a group. Lots of hugs were given during that game.

Finally, we went on a tour of the school and facilities. They had an old bathroom out back that was not usable and needed to be repaired. With the money that was donated, we were able to repair the toilets and a well for drinking water. We wanted to actually do some of the physical labor, but were not really qualified. After seeing the state of both the well (which looked like a sewer) and the sewer which needed cleaning out, we were a bit relieved to lack the appropriate qualifications. Providing the money to those qualified made more sense and we will get the after pictures.

Around noon, the children went home and we pulled out our various lunches. Cambodians brought rice, prohok (which is Cambodian cheese made from fermented fish parts...yum), beef and various other delights while we downed some PB&H and cheese sandwiches (made from rotten milk :>) chips, fruit and water. We ate Cambodia style with lots of sharing on top a wooden slated bed cross legged. Then back on the bus to PP with memories to last us a lifetime.

As we leave Cambodia and those we love behind, we look forward to continuing friendships and pray our hearts remain tender toward those less fortunate than ourselves.....wherever we may be.

All my love,
Susan

One Week at the Hospital Ends

2009-06-01T11:50:58Z

Today marked the completion of our first full week at the hospital. Sadly, it is also our last day at the hospital. Nursing and pharmacy students both had a very busy week ranging from HIV home visits and mobile clinics to nursing check-offs and genocide museums. It has been a challenging week both physically and emotionally.

At the Choeung Ek Genocide Museum, skulls of victims were stored in a pagoda-like monument. Victims included children and adults. I was prepared to see pits where victims were buried in mass graves. However, I was not prepared to see bones that were still scattered on the ground and clothes of victims strewn about the pits. It was hard to fathom and digest the atrocities that occurred here and amazing that the Cambodian people were able to recover.

Our time at the hospital came to an end but we still have a few activities planned for the weekend. On Saturday we will visit a small village outside the city of Phnom Penh. We will donate school supplies to students and food to poor families. The school in the village does not have a functioning bathroom. The current bathroom has been broken for some time, but with the donation from Belmont the school will now have three functioning stalls. The well, which was a source of clean water for the school, has been neglected and required repairs. This well will be functional again thanks to the donation from Belmont.

]]> With everyone pitching in a helping hand, we assembled pouches containing notebooks, pencils, a ruler, and erasures for all 269 students in the village. Thirty five students who have high test scores will receive a very nice shoulder bag. Each student will also receive a pair of shoes and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Some activities we have planned include lessons about the importance of oral hygiene, hand washing, and a free clinic for ill patients.

This will be the first time for us to experience another side of Cambodia; a rural surrounding with a whole new set of healthcare issues. With no hospital or clinic nearby, villagers have to travel long distances to receive care. They are also faced with the financial burden of healthcare. I am truly looking forward to helping the villagers in any way that I can.

Bounchanh

Birthday in Phnom Penh

2009-05-28T10:44:12Z

Today we had a long traveling morning. We got on the bus at 8:30am from Siem Reap and arrived in Phnom Penh around 2:30pm. On the bus, we had a nice little game of eye spy that included almost everyone in the group. It was a creative way of spicing up the 6 hour journey. Overall, sleeping was the activity of choice on the bus. When we arrived at Phnom Penh, we checked back into our hotel and resettled in our rooms. We had a small break and then met up for our daily group meeting.

Everyone loved one of the restaurants that we went to the first day we arrived in Phnom Penh, so we hit up that restaurant again! I enjoyed a nice vegetarian plate where I made my own tacos. Then, the fun began!! The students, including Mrs. Dryden, went out to a dance club! It was interesting because they played ALL American music. The Khmer way of dancing is to use your hands and form worm-like motions with them, so it was a surpise to not see that. Some of the people from the hospital were also there, so it was good to be able to get to know them better. Since it was my birthday the previous day, the band played a song for me! So, Billy and I went out on the dance floor and did a little jig. Personally, I think everyone loved our dance moves. We stayed at the dance club until 11:30ish, and then we all went back to the hotel and crashed.

Overall, I am really enjoying the trip. I'm excited to work in the hospital this coming week and to meet more of the staff. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Even at church, some of the nurses that I have met will invite us to sit with them! This week should be exciting!
-Emily-

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Melissa and Emily P. dressed up for a night out with the volunteers of the hospital.

One in a Million

2009-05-27T11:45:25Z

What an amazing couple of days. We left the hospital yesterday afternoon, went to the 'market" and shopped for the children at the Orphanage. At their request, we bought underwear, salt, sugar, fans and cooking oil. Then we made a stop to buy fruit, getting two "hairy eyeballs" for each child. The children are happy, cared for and well educated. We spent time playing games, singing, and also, visiting the library and their rooms. (Some were a little reluctant for us to see their room but with 5 girls to a room you can imagine!) What beautiful kids, and what a great concert they gave us. The hard part was leaving, they begged us to stay, 'please come tomorrow' and ran after the Tuk-Tuk as we went out of the gate; pictures that will remain with us for a long time. These are the fortunate children of Cambodia-they are safe and get an education.

Today was a trip to the 'killing fields". To comprehend that much cruelty is beyond my capacity. The great learning from the trip: understanding the people we are working with at the hospital. They lived through Pol Pot and have moved on with their life, now serving others on a daily basis. As I taught the supervisor class today, I had a whole new understanding of their job, their life and who they are as a people.

]]> Well I have learned what it is to be a minority! First, I am the "senior" member of the team (I bet you guessed that by the picture!). In this country, with 50% of the population under the age of 21, I am a definite minority in the age category! Second, my skin in many shades lighter than 99.9% of the people I see each day. Third, in a population of over 14,000,000 people I have not seen more than 14 with "silver fox hair', as a patient once described me. Well, folks that makes me "one in a million"! That alone was worth coming to Cambodia for!

Once again, I want to thank the parents who sent their kids on this mission trip, they continue to be AWESOME.

OBTW...TICB*

2009-05-27T11:12:08Z

Tuesday was the start of another wonderful and exciting day for each of us in Cambodia. Mrs. Dryden, Emily P., Brandon, and I rose a little earlier than the others so that we could meet the mobile clinic group at the hospital. After a few phone calls, tough communication with the nurses and staff, and some walking around, we were finally able to find out where we were supposed to be. We did have a small problem with seating though...a five person truck was supposed to hold seven of us. However, we were able to make it work! We traveled to a small and very poor village outside of Phnom Penh to provide medical care for those unable to come to the hospital. It was a new experience for the three of us, especially since most of our patients were children. Emily and I took vital signs, while Paul handled the pharmaceutical aspect of the visit. He even caught a few mistakes that were made, which shows the great training and education he has already received.

At the hospital, our instructors and student nurses assisted with check-offs. This is where all the nurses have to come in and take tests in several different areas; the subjects included blood cultures, oral care, and oxygen tubing care. Though it was a little hard to understand the nurses during the oral part of the tests, it was very exciting to see that they knew how to perform these tasks. It is obvious that this hospital is making great progress, and so many of the nurses truly know what they are doing.

]]> It is truly encouraging to be able to minister to these people through healthcare. At times during this trip, I have found myself discouraged, especially when we were doing things other than working in the hospital. I felt that I should be suffering more with these people and not being so spoiled. I really wanted to do more for the Cambodians. When I discussed this with Hannah, she really put it into perspective for me. Everything we do during this trip describes a piece of these people's past; the temples, the killing fields, and the prison all play a part in it. This trip is also more than doing missionary work with the Camodians; we are also here to minister to each other. Yes, we need to spread the word of God to these people who may have never come into contact with Him, but we also need to ministering to each other. I know I have already had a deep conversation with one person in the group, and I think it impacted both of us greatly. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to help those we don't know (which we should definitely continue to do!) and forget about those that are already in our lives who might need encouragement or just a Bible verse read to them. Needless to say, God is definitely working great wonders in each and every one of us. It is wonderful to wake up everyday knowing that He is with us everywhere we go. I just love to remember this small verse from the Bible that has helped me get through so many different things in my life, and has encouraged me throughout this trip: "I love you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).

Thank you all for the comments, encouragement, and prayers during our trip! Keep them coming!

Kristian
*Oh, By The Way...This Is Cambodia, Baby"

P.S. The following two pictures are a little gift to Dr. Dowdy from me. We decided Anna and Ms. Taplin needed a little payback for posting the pictures of people sleeping.

Home Visits and Khmer Rouge History

2009-05-26T16:40:50Z

In Cambodia some major health care issues are HIV/AIDS, TB, and diabetes. Today students of nursing and pharmacy left the hospital to go on home visits for HIV patients. Just a few blocks away, we walked to the areas where the lowest income people live. Our job was to oversee the self-maintenance of each patient's disease state. Without the semester 2 course, Health Assessment, I would have been unaware of the questions to ask and signs to look for in each particular case. Next we broke for lunch to enjoy a bite of homemade Khmer cuisine.

After lunch, we left the medical world to learn more about culture and history in Cambodia. During the reign of the Khmer Rouge, genocide camps were spread all over the country. The one we had visited was called Office S.21, today known as Tuol Sleng. Formerly a high school (a place for learning and growth), the Khmer Rouge overtook the facility and held over 5,000 prisoners here by 1978. All but 7 of these prisoners were killed. Taking this historical era made me realize this event affected people just a generation ahead of my own.

It was a fulfilling day incorporating both health care and history. From today's experience I have made it a promise to serve the people of Cambodia to the fullest until it is time to depart.

A New City to Explore

2009-05-25T15:32:36Z

Rise and shine! It was an early morning for the group as we packed our bags for Siem Reap. Having been in Phnom Penh for the past three days, we were prepared to explore a new city. Our first introduction was sunset at the ancient temples. After we climed the steep stairs, we found ourselves surrounded by people from around the world. The sunset was beautiful, but the view of Cambodia's heartland was even more remarkable. Knowing the country's past, the evening was a reminder that even amidst turmoil and pain, restoration is possible. "In the world you will have trouble; but be courageous, I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33).

On a side note, one of the funniest parts of the day was our bus ride. Wide awake, we managed to find minor pieces of amusement...from snacking on crickets to our exciting interpretations of Cambodian music videos. Still tired from the early morning rise, others chose a more peaceful route...

All in all, the trip to Siem Reap will be a great memory for all of us. The trip is far from over, though. We look forward to returning to the hospital and working alongside our new friends once again. They have such wonderful hearts, and I pray that we will all take a piece of that with us.

- Anna -

Sunday in Cambodia

2009-05-24T14:47:14Z

We began our day with worship at the church where Susan's family attended and were very involved in while they lived in Phnom Penh. We were all warmly greeted and welcomed! It was especially heartwarming to see Susan greeted and embraced by so many of her dear friends. The church is alive and growing...worshipers of all ages. In a country where there is much sadness and hopelessness, it is so encouraging to be in a place of worship and see the hearts of the members of the congregation! Later in the afternoon, when we were at the market shopping (more on that later!), a member of the church spotted us and we had a conversation with him about the growth of the church in Cambodia. There is no interference at all by the government towards Christianity and it is growing by leaps and bounds. That was good news!

We went different directions for lunch...some eating Indian and some eating French. Then it was time to re-group and head out for an afternoon of shopping at the Russian market. There were literally hundreds of vendors all very close together...it was like being in a maze with something new at every turn. It was hot and the vendors are very persistent in pursuing their customers. Bargains were made and bags were filled with all sorts of purchases. I have not quite conquered the art of negotiation...so I will probably need to return to see if I can do better next time! It would be easy to fill a suitcase because there really are so many wonderful things to see and buy. The treat after shopping was iced Cambodian coffee...it was rich, sweet and delicious.

]]> The trip for me so far has been rich in fellowship and in getting to know members of our team. Just having time to sit and talk is a blessing. Often when we are in our routine at home, talking and sharing doesn't happen as much as I would like. We are a very diverse group...each with varying gifts and talents. We all have different expectations as we head in to a full week at the hospital. We are all learning to be flexible...schedules don't always work just as we expect. I look forward to spending time with the hospital staff and getting to know them better. Forming relationships with the Cambodians is a part of the trip that will add to the richness of our time here.
- Keary -

Temples in Siem Reap

2009-05-23T10:40:49Z

This morning all but four of us left the Red Piano Hotel in Siem Reap at 5:00 AM to see the sunrise at Ankor Wat, one of the famous temples in Cambodia. Unfortunately, there were clouds and we couldn't see the wonderful sunrise but it was still worth it and fun any ways. We then toured another one of the ancient temples before meeting up with the four people who stayed behind. They then brought us our breakfast (french bread and freshly sliced fruit) and we ate at a little restaurant where we got iced coffee Cambodian style. The coffee was delicious! It is basically iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk for sweetener.

The group then saw several more temples, one of which included where they filmed the movie Tomb Raider. We then came back to Siem Reap and most of us got a foot massage from this great place down the street. We were so relaxed! Lunch followed, then free time to explore the town. Melissa, Hannah, Kristian, Emily P., and I went to the local market and had a fun time bartering for goods. As soon as we were done it started pouring down rain, so we hired a Tuk Tuk, a Cambodian motorbike driver with a cart hitched on for passengers, to take us back to the hotel (which was quite an experience...). At the end of the day, we went to a dinner and traditional Khmer dance and now off to bed for yet another day of traveling...

]]> It has been really good to get to know some of the nursing students at Belmont and interact with them at the hospital during this trip. As part of the School of Pharmacy, I feel like we don't have a chance to get to know or work as part of a health care team with the other programs at Belmont like nursing or physical therapy. So it has been really fun to become friends with some of them and, from what I can tell, they will be some wonderful nurses when they graduate. I believe that we are forming well as a team and can't wait to work more at the hospital and HIV home visits together. This has been an wonderful experience so far and it will be exciting to see what else God has in store for us!

- Brandon -

The Center of Hope...and the Power of Togetherness

2009-05-23T10:27:50Z

Today was a very tiring and busy day, but it ended in the most refreshing of ways. To start, a group of us went on a 4 mile walk/run at 5:30 a.m., in which we enjoyed watching the city wake up and get ready for another long, humid workday. Some of us even jumped right in to a yoga class with the local Cambodians on the side of the road. Other interesting sights included the "town elephant" who was taking a stroll down to the king's palace.

Later this morning, we headed off to Center of Hope for our second day in the hospital. We did similar kind of work as the previous day, but everyone rotated to a different department in the hospital to gain new experience. Anna even took control of many positions (Charge Nurse, Physical Therapist, RN, Nursing Student, etc...) all by herself. The pharmacy students were able to soak in an immense amount of information by following an Australian doctor during his rounds who was very generous in his teaching.

Today was also the first day for surgery (yesterday was the King's birthday and no surgeries were to be performed), and Melissa and Halli enjoyed watching a thyroidectomy. This particular thyroidectomy was completed by a Cambodian surgeon and Claudine (the first assistant), who just completed medical school in the UK, and is now here volunteering at Center of Hope as well as serving Phnom Penh Church of Christ. The surgery was a great learning experience because the thyroid was the size of a small softball which usually would not get that big in the states due to early recognition. However, Cambodians are not so fortunate with early blood tests and other various methods to diagnose promptly. Also, Cambodians just recently started adding iodized salt into their diets, and many who have lived without this salt have not received sufficient iodide. Thus, their thyroid tissue compensates by enlarging and forming a "goiter".

]]> In the emergency department, Kristian and Emily P. had their fair share of blood draws and attempted IVs, one of which included an attempt on a Monk. This was rather exciting for me--and yes, I did ask if I could touch him. Emily McClure enjoyed her day in the outpatient clinic by seeing various patients with the doctor and chatting with the sweet Cambodian nurses. Not only did we enjoy observing and participating in medical procedures, but we began to realize that each one of these nurses, doctors, or patients has a story that can inspire us all. Whether their story is overcoming genocide, living with parents who were alive during the Khmer Rouge, or even being a Khmer soldier themselves, they invite us into their lives so that we can share God's love and mercy with them all.

Lastly, and most rewarding in many of our minds, was when we visited the Christian church in Phnom Penh. Many of the nurses attend church here so it was wonderful to see their faces when we walked through the doors. Also, this is the church that Mrs. Taplin attended for the 2 years that she lived in Cambodia, and it was something special to see her reunite with everyone again. I remember walking into the church and suddenly feeling overwhelmed with emotions where tears were anxious to fall out of my eyes as I saw the most welcoming, hospitable, and joyous people I have ever seen. Not ONE person missed greeting us the minute we walked in the door, and the same for a farewell when it was time to go. I was blown away by their willingness to invite us into their home church and trust us after everything they have been through.

Also, the pastor's sermon hit home with the title of "The Power of Togetherness". He taught on unity and how Satan loves those who stand alone and fear, but how Jesus prayed for our unity and that we would break barriers with our bonds. This resonated with me as I began to come full circle with our mission field in mind and the purpose of reaching out. This is one world, one God, and one love that is available for us all if we take the steps to release the love that Jesus has filled us with to share with others. It made me stand back and realize just how BIG God is and how GREAT our accomplishments can be when we unite together and fight for what God has intended in our world.

- Emily -

Hi from Siem Reap

2009-05-22T11:19:59Z

We are in Siem Reap this weekend. The Temples are unbelievable from a history perspective. 'Got some rain this afternoon but not for long.

To all you parents out there who have kids on this trip--what an awesome group!! They are some of the finest kids I have met in a long time. They are great travelers and so excited about the work they are doing. You are blessed to have them, be proud and I am blessed to be able to share this experience with them.

First Day at the Hospital...a Wonderful Team

2009-05-20T10:54:32Z

Today was our first day in the hospital. We were all anxious to see the hospital and to see what our roles would be. As the largest group Belmont has sent to Cambodia it was interesting figuring out where each person would go in the small hospital in order to balance experiences and staffing. The group began the day by touring the hospital areas including ER, OR, surgical ward, medical ward, pharmacy, outpatient clinic and chronic care facility. We met many of the staff who are familiar with the Belmont groups and they welcomed us graciously.

After we split up into groups, I took three students with me to the Emergency Room/Wound Care area. The emergency room is divided into four areas: triage, main ER, infectious disease, and wound care clinic. All patients admitted through the hospital are triaged through the ER. The day began busily with many patients waiting outside for triage through the ER and several patients already inside. One student was paired with a nurse in the infectious disease area where she was able to work with acutely ill HIV patients and patients suspected of having tuberculosis, meningitis and other tropical infections. Several severely ill patients came into this area who were admitted to the hospital. One young woman came in with a high fever, low blood pressure, tachypnea and decreased level of consciousness. After working with the patient, drawing blood, and admitting her it was later found out that she has septic pneumocystis pneumonia as a complication of late stage AIDS.

]]> In the main ER two students and I were able to get to know four Cambodian nursing students and work with them and the veteran staff to take care of several patients with chronic medical complaints. The nursing students from Cambodia formed instant bonds with the Belmont students and shared experiences and a few laughs. Together we saw many patients with congestive heart failure, liver failure, acute diabetic complications and complications of tuberculosis. In the wound care area, one student was able to work with the wound care nurse on many diabetic foot ulcers, post-op wounds and wounds as a result of car/motorcycle accidents. The students and I learned many things from the Cambodian nurses about traditional Cambodian culture, diet and medicines. We learned that most patients are treated with traditional herbal medicine before seeking care at the hospital and unfortunately some of this medicine causes complications like liver failure on top of their medical illnesses.

We were also able to observe the role of the family member in the care of the patient. Patients are attended closely by a member of their family. These family members bathe the patients, feed the patients and assist the patient in moving. The respect for elder family members is evident in the attentiveness of the younger family members to their needs. All in all we had a wonderful day and were able to learn and grow as nurses and as visitors to a new place. For me, this is a fantastic group of students and faculty and it is exciting facing each day with such a wonderful team.

Hello from Chiang Mai, Thailand!

2009-05-18T16:07:33Z

After close to 40 hours of traveling, we arrived in Chiang Mai with jet lag and excitement as the realization that we had reached our first destination halfway around the globe began to sink in. I can't begin to describe how surreal this whole experience has been thus far. None of the group meetings and discussions could fully prepare me for the shock of being immersed in another country and culture. It's such a unique experience to not only be an ethnic minority, but also to have a complete language barrier between myself and those surrounding me. Despite the differences, it is obvious how valued respect is in this culture. I am reminded that I need to be just as respectful of their culture. As an outsider, it is so easy to judge their culture by our Western standards but God is constantly reminding me to keep my eyes open to what He has to reveal and the beauty of His creation even on the other side of the world. Please continue to pray that we would see Him revealed even in the small things on this trip.

Already today we have had incredible opportunities to explore this country as we recover from jet lag before heading to Phnom Penh. This morning we woke up and took a rather frightening hour long van ride on the left side of the road to Maetang Elephant Park. Motos here do not have their own lanes but instead tend to follow the fastest course, even if that means riding the dotted line between two lanes and several trucks. Once at the elephant park, we all got to travel two by two on our very own elephants through the foot hills in the Chiang Mai Provence. This countryside seemed to preserve much of the Thai tradition, including huts with thatched roofs on stilts in rice paddies. The guides were unbelievably hospitable to us and served us a wonderful Thai lunch including fresh mango! I think we've already been spoiled by the delicious fresh fruit Thailand has to offer!

]]> Once we finished the elephant ride, we were ushered to the next activity - riding in the cart pulled by Brahma! (sp?) (Local equivalent to oxen). Our driver, Yoon, was quick to introduce himself and proudly declared that he was 45 years old. He also informed us that the Brahma, Moo and Cow, were 4 and 7 respectively. Pretty soon, a race broke out between the drivers and we were off amidst shouts of "Number 1, Number 1!" from the competitive drivers. It's amazing to see how eager our guides were to practice their English with us and laugh at our expense as we tried to learn Thai. At least we could all laugh together!

We also had the chance to visit the long neck Karen tribe. I'm sure most of you have seen the National Geographic pictures of the women with the metal rings around their necks. Girls as young as five or six begin wearing the rings according to a tradition with a disputed origin. Our team had the chance to visit them and see the intricate scarves they wove. This particular group of women were immigrants to the area that had been displaced following conflicts in their home country. It's hard to imagine living a life in which people see you as a tourist attraction and I could\t help but feel somewhat invasive in that place.

We were so blessed to have the chance to enjoy Thailand and tomorrow we head to Cambodia! Please continue to keep our team in your prayers that we would be kept safe in travels and be well rested to start our time at the Hope Center. Your support and encouragement is absolutely wonderful!

Melissa